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Commanding Officer’s Foreword

The final sunset as seen from Sterga 2.

This is the last Blue Hackle from Operations. The majority of the Battalion are now home, with just D Company left to return; the majority by the end of this month. Everyone performed superbly on operations and made the most of the opportunities with which they were presented. Some had more exciting times than others, but all would have felt what it was like to be part of a large multi-national, cross coalition operation and this will provide them with invaluable experience going forward for the future. For me, commanding on operations was a huge privilege and I would like to thank you all for the support you gave me. Please enjoy this Blue Hackle and finally, my thanks to the editor, Captain Reg Gentry, for all the hard work he has put into this over the last 10 months – it has been a huge success.

Commanding Officer 4 SCOTS: Lt Col J C Roddis MBE

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Thank you to everyone that has made a donation to our Just Giving page this month, with a

whopping £830 being donated! This takes our total so far on Herrick 19 to £4,488.55.

There is still time to donate and help get our total efforts over the £5,000 mark! All money raised during the Highland Games and other Homecoming events will be put towards the fundraising effort so please keep giving generously. We will look to close the page at the end of July. Please keep spreading the word to all your friends and family of the fantastic work the Royal Regiment of Scotland Association does and how important it is that we continue to help them to help our Jocks. Visit our page and donate today!

www.justgiving.com/4SCOTS

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Manoeuvre Battlegroup The members of the Manoeuvre Battlegroup may be in the final stages of an 8 ½ month tour, but the pace of operations has certainly not eased. Two Battlegroup sized operation have dominated the month as we continue to work hard to close US and UK bases outside of Camp Bastion.

The first operation saw the Battlegroup assist the US Marine Corps and US Army complete the retrograde of their final bases in Northern Helmand. Protecting in depth of the Afghan National Security Forces along the major highways in Helmand, the Battlegroup ensured that the US troops could safely extract all their kit and equipment in good order. It was a significant operation, which saw all elements of the Manoeuvre Battlegroup deploy for a 7 day period; always in support of the Afghan Brigade who led with a number of clearances and the protection of key points along the route. Early May then saw the Battlegroup successfully close the UK’s last remaining forward base to be used by UK troops in Afghanistan, Observation Post Sterga 2. The closure of Sterga means that the only UK troops still in Helmand are at Camp Bastion, which is due to close at the end of the year, and at locations in Kandahar and Kabul.

The 70 vehicle convoy leaves Sterga 2 en route back to Bastion.

4 SCOTS Mortars helped protect Sterga until the final minutes.

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With 100 ISO containers of kit and equipment having been extracted over the weeks prior, a final Combat Logistics Patrol (CLP), led by Delta Company, drove the final pieces of kit and 4 SCOTS Recce Platoon safely back to Bastion on 10 May 14. With 241 soldiers and 70 vehicles in the convoy, it was the second largest UK convoy seen during Herrick 19; only beaten by the battlegroup’s final convoy out of Lashkar Gah Durai. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, who was in Afghanistan to mark the latest milestone in the drawdown of UK forces, spoke to the jocks from 4 SCOTS Recce Platoon who had been living and

working at Sterga since September last year.

Sterga opened in August 2013 to enable UK personnel to observe a large and strategically important area of central Helmand. Troops based there provided vital assistance in covering UK and US base closures and gave Afghan and coalition personnel a fuller understanding of insurgent activity. Most of the personnel based at Sterga were from the 4 SCOTS Recce Platoon, with specialist capabilities provided by other units such as 5 Regiment Royal Artillery, 32 Regiment Royal Artillery, 3 Royal Horse Artillery and 14 Signals Regiment. At its peak the base was home to 180 people although by its closure this had reduced to about 90 personnel.

Sterga 2 was a desert leaguer behind Hesco for the final week.

This was the 1st, and only, time MAMBA has been airlifted during the Herrick Campaign.

Captain Gentry getting some ‘face time’ with the Secretary of State.

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4 SCOTS Recce Platoon grab a final team photo before leaving Sterga 2. When asked for his take on the closure, Lt Col James Roddis said: "Providing a secure environment for the redeployment of a base is vital to ensure the safety and protection of our personnel and equipment. The soldiers of the cross-coalition multi cap-badged Manoeuvre Battle Group, led by 4 SCOTS, have once again shown their ability and competence in making sure

the personnel and equipment from Sterga could return safely back to Camp Bastion. Alongside our coalition partners we also oversaw and provided security for the closure of Laskhar Gah Durai and FOB Price in March earlier this year. As the last Scottish Infantry Battalion in Afghanistan it has been a challenging and rewarding job being part of

Cpl McKenzie just before closing the gates of Sterga for the last time.

CSgt Campbell checks he can account for every last item of equipment before leaving

Sterga.

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the drawdown of British Bases in Helmand and the handover of lead security responsibilities to the Afghan Security Forces." Meanwhile, the officer commanding the small force at Sterga, Captain Edward Challis, was giving his take on events to the worlds media. Highlights to his interview include: Captain Challis, looking deeply tanned, said the "sun is our worst enemy". He has masterminded the

operation to wind the base down, right until the final week. By that point, the men under his command were sleeping on the ground with little more than a poncho for protection, and bottled water to wash in. With only one generator, officially they had just one kettle for 80 men - although some of the soldiers admitted to having a secret kettle for a brew of tea.

Captain Challis was robust about the challenges, saying: "We were living in a very comfortable manor, in my opinion, up to now." He said that at the end what they were doing took them back to skills learnt in basic training. They were very busy and he did not have time to reflect on what it meant to command troops in the last British outpost in

Helmand, he said "Once we have got our feet up, beer in hand, we will look back and think, 'Well, that was pretty special,'" he says. "But as it currently stands we are focused on the task in hand."

Jocks leaving Sterga 2 on the final flight.

The USMC helicopters lent a hand in flying out the larger bits of kit.

CSgt Campbell and Cpl McKenzie close the gates of Sterga 2 as British forces leave (Right).

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Highlanders Homeward Bound After Afghan Service

Troops from the 4th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS), known as The Highlanders, handed over command of the multi-national Manoeuvre Battlegroup to 5 RIFLES in Camp Bastion in Helmand Province on Friday 30 May.

Working with 3rd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Staffords), 9th/12th Royal Lancers and 2nd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment, as well as longstanding Estonian and Danish allies, the Battlegroup supported the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) when required and protected coalition operations. The Highlanders are the final Scottish battalion to have served in a combat role in Afghanistan. As the lead element of the Battlegroup they were responsible for the transfer of Main Operating Base (MOB) Price and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Lashkar Gah Durai, as well as the closure of the UK’s final base outside of Camp Bastion, Observation Post Sterga 2.

LCpl Mackay pipes up the RIFLES’ flag (left) while 4 SCOTS transfer command of the Battlegroup to 5

RIFLES (above).

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Delta Company, The Clan Delta Company have been 'on point' for much of the last 4 weeks. The two big operations have been to support the closure of the final US bases in Northern Helmand and the closure of OP Sterga 2.

At the start of May, Delta Company deployed back to the area of Lashkar Gah Durai. We based ourselves out of a brand new barracks which had just been built for the Afghan National Security Forces. We arrived the day before it was due to be handed over and had the surreal experience of talking to the Managing Director of the construction Company in New York to assure him that we were not going to ruin his project before the handover paperwork was signed! It was an excellent location to dominate the road. We

were helped by one of our large, white, inflatable balloons which we put up - the Insurgents were convinced that we had come back to the area to stay!

Patrolling through some of the remaining wheat fields in Central Helmand this month.

The ANSF providing security along the major routes in Helmand.

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The following week we led the final run into STERGA 2, escorting a mixed British and US convoy to extract the final equipment from the base. It was a pleasure to be part of the operation to close down STERGA and bring the Recce Platoon back to Bastion.

Since then we have been back out dominating areas which are a threat to Bastion. Perhaps the most memorable night was when we were hit by some extreme weather - for 4 hours the Company were hunkered down in their wagons as a 'Mummy-esque' Sand Storm swept through the Dashte!

When not out on operations, the company has made use of the fantastic training facilities available in Camp Bastion. With numerous compounds and kalays, the options for realistic training scenarios are endless. To add to the experience, all this training can be done with ‘Simunition’ – Army issued paintballs! The jocks, therefore, not only improve and refresh their tactics and procedures, but they do so while firing paintballs at the targets.

A large dust storm rapidly heads towards the company’s leaguer location.

Simunition ranges are a great training opportunity in Camp Bastion.

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There have been a few changes in Delta Company over the last month. Highlanders Campbell-Brown and McGurk have recently arrived, just in time for the last month of the tour. Meanwhile, Lance Corporal Richardson has returned home to get married; and Highlanders Matthews & Lavelle have returned to attend a JNCO cadre. Good luck from The Clan!

Delta Company conducting dismounted patrols to engage with local nationals.

The River Helmand is in full flow to create the well-known ‘Green Zone’ (Left) and members of 14 Platoon ready to deploy with warriors from the Afghan National Army (Above).

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Task Force Belleau Wood Force Protection Company

Distinguished military service members within Regional Command (Southwest) and International Security Assistance Force including Lt. Gen. John Lorimer, deputy commander of ISAF, attended a farewell ceremony and witnessed the lowering of the Kingdom of Tonga flag, aboard Camps Bastion and Leatherneck, Afghanistan, April 28. During a morning ceremony aboard Camp Bastion, each Royal Tongan Marine was awarded medals for their devoted service to the coalition’s efforts. Afterward, the Royal Tongan Marines lowered their flag aboard Camp Leatherneck to symbolise the end of the country’s participation in support of combat operations in Helmand province and return to their homeland. “I feel my men have done a very good job here along with our training in the United Kingdom before we deployed,” said Royal Tongan Marine Lt. Col. Cyle Tuevai, the national contingent commander with Her Majesties’ Armed Forces.

Major Law and the Company took over from the Togans on the perimeter of Camp Bastion.

Even the Tongans like LCpl Mackay’s bagpipes.

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During the short morning ceremony, the Royal Tongan Marines sang their national anthem, a song written and composed by one of their own lance corporals, and performed the Sipi Tau, the traditional Tongan war dance. “You have repeatedly demonstrated courage and capability,” said Lt. Gen. Lorimer, as he addressed the Royal Tongan Marines. “You should be justifiably proud of the important role you have delivered here on Camp Bastion, protecting thousands of military and civilian personnel.”

The Tongan troops served with the Camp Bastion Force Protection Wing where they helped guard the base perimeter as well as man the entry control points. Their posts have now been filled by members of 4 SCOTS, bolstering the already existing FP Platoon to form a Company. Many of the jocks are returning to Helmand having also completed exercises in Jordan earlier this year.

The jocks also conduct patrols outside of the perimeter.

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Hectors From March to June it has been a busy period for us all. The end of the tour is nearly in sight and our wives have been anticipating the return of their men. Sgt Frame organised various activities to

keep the families and children entertained over this period. These included trips to Mellendorf Soft Play area and Wild Park, where families where able to relax and enjoy a nice day out where their kids could play and use up their energy. This was apparent at Mellendorf where the kids played for hours on the soft play areas, giving some of the mums’ a well-deserved break. We also, with the help of one of the wives, had a lovely Sunday lunch that was followed by a Muppets movie in the

cinema; something that was enjoyed by kids of all ages.

As we got into May we had a few trips over the Easter school holidays. We thought we had the weather with us, but on our trip to the Serengetti Park it turned out not to be and it rained for the whole day. This didn’t dampen the spirits of those who went, as they all made the most out of the park and had a really good day out doing the safari and then enjoying the park’s facilities. On our trip to Magic Park the weather was good to us. As a result it made a good day even better, allowing us to enjoy all the rides and play areas in the park to the fullest.

Everyone enjoyed the Sunday lunch.

Making new friends.

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On 4-6 June, we had some Scottish Superstars (The Singing Kettle) over to entertain the children of Fallingbostel with 3 shows at Shackleton Primary School. This wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the hard work of Fran Colquhoun and the staff of both Heide and Shackleton Schools. The Singing Kettle even put a show on for the adults, with an excellent ceilidh, which was held in Hectors. With the good weather starting to arrive in Germany, Hectors hosted a families BBQ,

which was to welcome most of the soldiers back from Afghanistan and a chance for all

the mothers’ to bid farewell to Mrs Helen Roddis for all her hard work with Jennifer Bailey in making Teenie Tots a massive success. We’ve now seen the majority of our soldiers return from tour. We are all now getting ready for the Medals parade and forthcoming parades in Scotland, not to mention the festivities of the Highland Games and the Beating of the Retreat.

Please spare a thought for the boys out in the heat, whether it be out in Afghan or out on the Parade Square getting drilled by the RSM.

Families enjoying a great day out.

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4 SCOTS in the Media The press has been dominated this month by the Manoeuvre Battlegroup’s operation to close the final UK base outside of Camp Bastion in Central Helmand, STERGA 2. Unsurprisingly it has been reported far and wide, with some of the major news broadcasters’ coverage linked below.

BBC News, ITV News, BFBS News, Daily Mail, Evening Telegraph, Shropshire Star, Jersey Evening Post The Highlanders have been receiving a large amount of coverage this month on the UK Forces in Afghanistan’s Facebook page. Run by the Combat Camera Team here in Helmand, members of 4 SCOTS have been the ‘Photograph of the day’ at least twice each week. Like the page so you don’t miss out!

UK Forces in Afghanistan Facebook Page A highly popular individual in the media this month is LCpl Hugh Mackay and his bagpipes. Seizing every opportunity to play, his efforts have not gone unnoticed – with numerous videos and photographs of him playing being posted on the internet. One of the most popular is the one linked below, which sees him playing at the Transfer of Authority (TOA) ceremony between 4 SCOTS and 5 RIFLES, as the sun set over Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Mackay piping in the Afghanistan sunset

To keep fully up to date with all that’s happening in theatre follow us on Hector’s Welfare

Facebook page, The Royal Regiment of Scotland Facebook page and the 4 SCOTS JustGiving site. All links must be accessed through open source internet. They will not work on Dii, RLI or MS.

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Other Photographs This Month

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